Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS8

Below is a in depth comparison of the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the SP-100 (16MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SP-100 was launched 2 years later than the ZS8 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summary of how the SP-100 scores against the ZS8 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-100 has outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic ZS8 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the SP-100 against the ZS8.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the SP-100 and ZS8 is 63 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by going through specifications. The visual below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-100 and ZS8.

To sum up, both of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Olympus SP-100 to produce greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The newer SP-100 will have an edge in sensor innovation.